Use of a Palmaz stent for tracheomalacia: case report of an infant with esophageal atresia

J Pediatr Surg. 1999 Aug;34(8):1291-3. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3468(99)90174-4.

Abstract

A male infant with congenital cardiac anomalies and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) showed intractable respiratory symptoms after delayed primary repair of EA-TEF. Computed tomography demonstrated that the trachea was compressed by the enlarged aorta. Artificial ventilation was necessary even after aortopexy performed at 2 months of age. At 140 days of age, an expandable metallic stent (Palmaz stent) was inserted through a rigid bronchoscope into the trachea underfluoroscopic control. His respiratory status improved dramatically, and he was extubated in 18 hours. Although the follow-up period has been 9 months, the short-term result is satisfactory. The expandable metallic stent placement should be considered in patients with EA-TEF who show intractable respiratory symptoms caused by tracheomalacia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal Atresia / complications*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Stents*
  • Tracheal Diseases / complications
  • Tracheal Diseases / therapy*
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / complications*